Day 2,153

Don't speak, hold your breath, close whichever eye faces the pit and it won't follow you back home. At least, we hoped it wouldn't. Lord knows how many we knew kept these rules religiously and were still seen walking down into the pit, hand-in-hand with the creature masquerading as the devil himself.

Maybe our neighbours are liars who only follow the rituals when children are present to set a good example.

Maybe they miss one of the steps and that's all it takes to bring the devil down upon them.

Maybe the little rituals are just to placate us while it takes its time picking the next victim.

I've never said this out loud or even dared to write it down until today. On the drive back from school I accidentally made eye contact with it while we were driving past the pit and I don't know when it'll be coming for me but it will come.